In a nail-biting encounter, Bangladesh edged Sri Lanka past by two wickets to make a winning start to the T20 World Cup today [8 June] at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

The victory came at a moment when hardly anyone put a bet on Bangladesh following their sub-standard performance ahead of the global event.

It was Bangladesh's only second victory over higher ranked team in their T20 World Cup history since their win against West Indies in the inaugural edition in 2007.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the all important toss and expectedly put Sri Lanka into bat first. The bowlers justified the decision right by restricting Sri Lanka to a below par 124-9 and then overhauled the target with 125-8 in 19 overs by overcoming a massive adrenaline pumping moment.

Pacer Mustafizur Rahman (3-17) and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (3-22) claimed three wickets apiece while fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who is playing his first game after recovering from the injury grabbed 2-25. Another pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib took 1-24.

While it looked the bowlers were key behind the victory, it was Towhid Hridoy whose 20 ball-40 made all difference in the low-scoring affair.

Later, Mahmudullah Riyad finished the things off with cool head when Sri Lanka looked all over on Bangladesh by taking some quick wickets.

This was Sri Lanka's second consecutive defeat following its six-wicket loss South Africa and it left their Super 8 hopes at peril.